quantum chromodynamics

noun

, Physics.

1. a quantum field theory that describes quarks and gluons and their interactions, with the color of the quarks playing a role analogous to that of electric charge. : QCD

quantum chromodynamics

noun

1. physics a theory describing the strong interaction in terms of quarks and gluons, with the colour of quarks used as an analogue of charge and the gluon as an analogue of the photon QCD

quantum chromodynamics

1. A quantum field theory of the strong force that explains the interaction between particles with color charge , such as quarks and gluons. In quantum chromodynamics, particles interact through the strong force by exchanging gluons, which are the carriers of the strong force (much as photons are the carriers of the electromagnetic force in quantum electrodynamics). The theory is particularly important in theories of the atomic nucleus, whose nucleons are composed of quarks.

Word History and Origins

Origin of quantum chromodynamics¹

First recorded in 1975–80

Word History and Origins

Origin of quantum chromodynamics¹

C20: chromodynamics from chromo- (referring to quark colour) + dynamics , modelled on quantum electrodynamics

Example Sentences

This color charge is akin to electrical charge in the theory of electromagnetism, and it also explains why quantum chromodynamics so quickly gets out of hand.

From Scientific American

You are not elbowing your way onstage at a lecture on quantum chromodynamics.

From Washington Post

The program relies on volunteer mentors, and Hall says he’s careful to make sure the 10 hours or so a week he spends coordinating their activities doesn’t interfere with his work on lattice quantum chromodynamics.

From Science Magazine

If scientists cannot achieve consilience even within specific fields, what hope is there for consilience between, say, quantum chromodynamics and queer theory?

From Scientific American

The strong nuclear has quantum chromodynamics, electromagnetism has quantum electrodynamics, the weak nuclear has quantum flavordynamics.

From Washington Post